Lou Reed, founding member of legendary New York art punk group the Velvet Underground and acclaimed solo artist, has died aged 71.
The cause of the American songwriter’s death is unconfirmed although recent medical problems have been well documented in the press. He underwent a liver transplant earlier this year after suffering liver failure.
Lewis Allan Reed, aka Lou, was born in Brooklyn in 1942. After playing guitar in several bands, he moved to New York City and met Welsh musician John Cale. The pair called on the services of Sterling Morrison and Mo Tucker and formed the Velvet Underground.
The band became known for their fusion of avant garde art and music as well as their collaborations with infamous pop artist Andy Warhol.
After the demise of the band, Reed set out as a solo artist collaborating with David Bowie on his classic 1972 album Transformer. The record did much to elevate his status as a songwriter, featuring hit songs such as Perfect Day, Satellite of Love and Walk on the Wild Side.
The cause of the American songwriter’s death is unconfirmed although recent medical problems have been well documented in the press. He underwent a liver transplant earlier this year after suffering liver failure.
Lewis Allan Reed, aka Lou, was born in Brooklyn in 1942. After playing guitar in several bands, he moved to New York City and met Welsh musician John Cale. The pair called on the services of Sterling Morrison and Mo Tucker and formed the Velvet Underground.
The band became known for their fusion of avant garde art and music as well as their collaborations with infamous pop artist Andy Warhol.
After the demise of the band, Reed set out as a solo artist collaborating with David Bowie on his classic 1972 album Transformer. The record did much to elevate his status as a songwriter, featuring hit songs such as Perfect Day, Satellite of Love and Walk on the Wild Side.
He went on to release 20 solo albums including his latest, 2007’s Hudson River Wind Meditations.
The songwriter received the Ivor Novello Special International Award in 2005 for his services to music while his music has had a significant impact on the likes of REM, Nirvana and many others.
He is survived by his second wife, musician and performing artist, Laurie Anderson.
The songwriter received the Ivor Novello Special International Award in 2005 for his services to music while his music has had a significant impact on the likes of REM, Nirvana and many others.
He is survived by his second wife, musician and performing artist, Laurie Anderson.
